Smaller families linked to decline in vocations to religious life

March 31, 2011

Examining a report on the decline in vocations among women's religious orders, Terry Mattingly notices that a young woman's parents sometimes discourage interest in the convent--because, among other reasons, they want to have grandchildren. Mattingly points out:

They want grandchildren? That would be a factor only if the parents themselves have no other children or have, let’s say, only one other child.

Religious and priestly vocations traditionally come, disproportionately, from large families. As the size of families has declined, so too has the number of vocations.

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It only makes sense....but who is sensible these days? The Holy Father is so right. We no longer know how to reason the good ole' Hellenic way. Everything is based on feelings and opinions.

Posted by: -
Mar. 31, 2011 4:11 PM ET USA

Duh! I brought this up to my contracepting friends 20 years ago when they said they did not want their children following a vocation. They also complained and wondered why we have so few priests! Their reason was so clouded...

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